This July, we are highlighting “Small But Mighty” breeds on YourDressage!
Riders who choose a pint-sized partner as their dressage mount are eligible for special awards through the Adequan®/USDF All-Breeds Awards program, as there are a number of pony breed organizations that are participating organizations.
By Carol Mervis
My journey to pony ownership started last spring, when I came to the realization that my beloved 17-hand Oldenburg gelding, Dezi, was just too big and strong for me to ever hope of accomplishing my goals; we had hit a plateau, and I knew the kind thing to do would be for me to hand his reins over to someone who could bring out his best (I still own him, but he is leased to a lovely young man).
Of course, my trainer had been telling me for the previous five years that he would not have chosen Dezi for me due to his size (and mine), but he still helped me as much as he could. He had successfully matched a few of his other adult riders with ponies, and wished that for me.
Then, in the spring of 2025, just before I retired from my job of 30 years, my wonderful husband offered to buy me a pony, and the hunt began! We started looking remotely in Germany for – of course – a German Riding Pony (GRP), known for their rideability and gaits suitable for competing against all the other horse breeds!
We had a very experienced German woman helping us with the process, including sending a test rider to try each finalist. We were looking for an experienced pony so that I could get up and running with him relatively quickly and from whom I could learn. This particular pony was trained up to Prix St. Georges (PSG) by an adult. She shared a video of her goal performance, a freestyle, that really won my heart – so much “pizazz” and steadiness in the bridle, as well as apparent obedience. And so, we imported “Captain America” in July 2025, with fingers crossed that I would be able to ride him.
While Captain America is certainly a nice name, I wanted something with more meaning for me. His sire is FS Champion Deluxe, so picking up on the “champion” theme, I came up with Victorious, and he is my sixth equine, so Victorious Six it was! That does not roll off the tongue for every day, so I call him Vix, Poni Roni, or, on days when he is full of energy, Sporty Spice!! He is 14.2 hands high (measured and pony-carded last fall) and turned 12 this spring. He has a TON of personality and seems to genuinely like people.
A month after he arrived at the barn where I board, we went to a multi-day show (yes, I could indeed ride him, and adapted to the size difference just fine!) and qualified for the 2025 Great American/USDF Region 8 Championships at Training Level! We competed at the Region 8 championships, placing just out of the ribbons, but I was thrilled. We also tried out First Level Test 3 and earned a qualifying score for 2026.
Our goal for this year is to compete at Training and First Levels at Regionals, and we have already gotten our qualifying scores. We’re also going to work toward my USDF Bronze Medal, trying out a Second Level test before Regionals, and then a Third Level after. I never thought this would be my story!!
Still, what is probably the best part of this whole journey is that I am now partnered with an appropriate mount who does not scare me. While I was afraid of Dezi’s power and sensitivity in the great outdoors, and sometimes even on the ground, Vix and I have gone on many adventures, and our favorite thing to do is ride outdoors, especially in the big field. He is sensitive and alert, but as long as I show him my confidence, he stays right there with me. We have built a bond of trust and respect, and I just adore this little critter!
My advice to other adults who are out-mounted, afraid, and losing enjoyment from riding their giant horses is to consider a GRP. It was the best (but kind of late) decision I ever made, and while I am getting up there in age, I feel as if Vix and I will have many more years of adventures and joy together! He has a home for life with me, and I love him no matter what we do together. Thanks for “listening” to my story!!
Wonderful perspective and so fantastic you were able to come to this conclusion and make what must have seemed a huge change to ultimately find your perfect riding partner!